Whether you’re a new or experienced timeshare owner, or you’re looking to purchase your first membership, unbiased information is as good as gold. Fortunately, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) runs vacationbetter.org, the foremost source of information regarding vacation ownership. Modern timeshare consumers have become more educated, in part due to information web sites such as Vacation Better, says Charlene Small, director of marketing and communications at ARDA. “The industry has certainly evolved. There’s much more information out there for consumers, there’s a greater variety of products, and regulations that protect the consumer.” Prospective and current owners should check out these key tabs on the site:

What Kind of Traveler Are You?
This quiz on the site is perfect for travelers who may be eyeing a big trip, but aren’t sure where to go or what to do. What would you do if it’s raining on your vacation? What’s in the majority of your travel photos? Which activity do you like to do on vacation? Where is your dream vacation? Answer these questions and narrow down your vacation search. Classic vacations of lazily sunning yourself at the pool will always be popular, but vacations that challenge tourists with activities, movement, and exercise are on the rise, and not just in the United States. Small says experiential vacations are becoming more and more popular, as well as tropical destinations, with more vacation options opening up around the world.

New to Timeshare?
Explore this tab if you’re interested in buying, but want to make sure a timeshare is the right fit. And you might be surprised, as the demographics of ownership have shifted in recent years: according to the 2016 U.S. Shared Vacation Ownership Report, produced by the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), the average age of timeshare owners in the U.S. is just under 47 years old, with 68 percent being married. “As millennials age, they’re starting families, and discovering more options for vacationing,” says Small. “The millennial lifestyle and vacation preferences are changing, and timeshares are fitting into that.” The actual benefits of stable vacation ownership are numerous: spacious living, a full kitchen, and familiarity as well as variety through timeshare exchange. But perhaps the biggest benefit is that timeshare owners use their vacations. Studies show that owning a timeshare makes vacation a priority, and that helps your mood throughout the year, leading to better health and a happier mentality.

For Owners
The site offers useful, unbiased tips from current timeshare owners. These are helpful if you’ve just joined the club, or have been an owner for many years, and will help you make the most of your purchase. Small says one important piece of advice for all vacationers is to, “Know what your vacation habits and needs are so that you can find the best solution that fits your lifestyle.” Owner tips on the site include exploring your surroundings, bringing the whole family, starting a tradition, attending owner events, and understanding your exchange program.
At RTX, we encourage owners to always call us if they have any questions about exchanges. Education is an important part of our service to our members, so we are always willing to provide information to help members better understand their benefits.

About the Author

About the Author: Pat Barcas serves as staff writer and photographer for RTX Traveler Magazine, based in Asheville, NC. His favorite RTX destinations are on the beach: Orange Beach, Alabama, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. More from this author.

Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe now to receive more just like it.

Welcome to RTX Traveler Online!

Thank you for visiting RTX Traveler Online! Here you will find all of the issues of RTX Traveler Magazine, sorted by issue, featured destination and section. This site is also home of the RTX Blog, where you can find the most up to date information about our member specials, featured destinations, Xclusive Weeks and more. To learn more about RTX membership levels or to log in to your account, visit www.RTX.travel.